A top U.S. health official cautioned on Thursday that protests sweeping across the country could increase the spread of the novel coronavirus, particularly in cities that have struggled to control the outbreak, and that participants should 'highly consider' getting tested.
NEW YORK - A top U.S. health official cautioned on Thursday that protests sweeping across the country could increase the spread of the novel coronavirus, particularly in cities that have struggled to control the outbreak, and that participants should “highly consider” getting tested.
Protests have occurred in Minneapolis and Washington, D.C., where there has been significant transmission of the virus, Robert Redfield, director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , testified before a Congressional committee. Other public health experts and government officials have also warned the large street protests could cause a spike in new coronavirus cases.
Redfield said in the prepared testimony the CDC is working with drugmakers to maximize the availability of influenza vaccines, and with healthcare providers “to develop contingency plans so that people can be vaccinated in a safe environment.”U.S. pharmacy chains have been preparing a big push for flu vaccinations in October, hoping to prevent tens of thousands of serious cases that could flood hospitals along with new COVID-19 cases.
During Redfield’s appearance, Democrats criticized the Trump administration’s response to the outbreak, which has led to more than 107,000 U.S. deaths.“I have such admiration for the work that you and the CDC do, but if you and the CDC are driving this bus, you’re taking us in a dangerous direction,” said Rosa DeLauro, a Democratic congresswoman from Connecticut.
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